Katie Baldwin, an apprentice at organic Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, waters some of the seedlings in the greenhouse. Photo Credit: Newday / Audrey C. Tiernan

The East Hampton Environmental Coalition is made up of 17 environmental East End organizations with total membership of about 6,000. Each year, we create an East Hampton Green Guide to summarize members’ concerns, detailing recommended actions for local politicians. We share a passion for and commitment to the preservation of our unique environment.

Coalition members have requested that Assemb. Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) and state Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) continue fighting for passage of their co-sponsored bill to prohibit the use of the toxic chemical pentachlorophenol “with regard to new or existing transmission utility poles or facilities.” The bill is stalled in committees. We’re concerned that the ban will die there.

In May, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, an international environmental treaty, approved a global ban on this toxic chemical. The United States has not signed the treaty and is not bound by it.

It’s time for Long Islanders to demand that our electric grid be updated in a 21st century, sustainable way that is safe for the environment and people.

Helene Forst

East Hampton

Editor’s note:The writer is the chairwoman of Long Island Businesses for Responsible Energy.